The Return of a Legend: Flavio Briatore and Alpine’s Grand Vision
Eight months have passed since Flavio Briatore, the controversial and charismatic Italian tycoon, made a triumphant return to Formula One (F1) with the Alpine team. At 74, Briatore may appear a bit more slender and slightly frailer compared to his prime during the Benetton years in the 1990s, but his appetite for success remains as robust as ever. Alpine, the rebranded Renault, is not just a new name on the F1 grid; it’s a continuation of the legacy Briatore built. He emphasizes, "This team, talking about Alpine, it’s the same team. It’s a Benetton team, a Renault team, an Alpine. You change the [colour of the] shirts, you change a little bit of the performance, but it is the same team."
A Vision for Alpine: Building Foundations and Rekindling Glory
Briatore’s return to F1 was no casual decision. After 15 years away, he watched the team’s struggles from the sidelines, feeling a deep sense of responsibility for its condition. He reached out to Renault CEO Luca de Meo, expressing his desire to make a change. "I told him I felt so sorry to see the team in this condition, because it was my team. I created this team. I built the factory and their world championships were won in this building," Briatore recounts. The condition for his return was clear: he wanted to be in complete charge. With Oliver Oakes by his side as team principal, Briatore set about rebuilding the team’s morale and structure. "You need to be fair and be transparent with your people. And this is the process we started," he says. The shift in morale since their arrival has been palpable, as they have brought in new talent and reinvigorated the team’s spirit.
A Strategic Approach to Revival
Briatore’s approach is methodical and grounded in his years of experience. He likens managing a Formula One team to running a restaurant—both require managing people and ensuring everyone works towards a common goal. "I have a responsibility for the 1000 people working in the factory and their salaries," he explains. The first step was laying a solid foundation. "When you’re building a house, you need someone for the foundations. It made no sense to put on a fucking roof and after that everything collapsed. That was the foundation, and after that, little by little, we built." The team’s credibility has grown, and they have secured new sponsors. The goal is clear: to start winning races in 2026 and fight for the championship in 2027.
The Road to 2027: Drivers and Ambitions
The driver lineup for Alpine in the upcoming season includes Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, with a robust reserve driver contingent comprising Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and Franco Colapinto. Briatore is pragmatic and realistic about driver performance. "If you have two drivers, the choice is between two drivers. If you have five, the choice is between five," he states. The team’s success will depend on the right mix of talent and a cohesive team effort. Briatore’s vision is to repeat the past glories of Benetton and Renault, but with a new cast. "We did it with Benetton, we did it with Renault. If you see what we did at Benetton, Renault was the same movie, we just changed the actor. In Benetton, the actor was Michael Schumacher and in Renault the actor was Fernando Alonso. Now, we need to do another movie, but we don’t know yet who the actor will be."
The Future of Alpine: A Blockbuster in the Making
Flavio Briatore’s ambition doesn’t stop at winning championships. He has grand plans to produce a blockbuster movie that will tell the story of Alpine’s journey to the 2027 Formula 1 world championship. This project, mirroring the upcoming F1 film starring Brad Pitt, underscores Briatore’s larger-than-life personality and his belief in the power of storytelling. "For me, Formula 1 is like managing a restaurant. It is the same. You’re managing people. And we need to ensure that 1000 people are working in the factory and I have a responsibility for their salary," he explains. The film will not only celebrate Alpine’s achievements but also inspire future generations of racers and fans.
A Return to Glory: The Journey Continues
Briatore’s return to F1 with Alpine is more than just a comeback; it’s a mission to reclaim past glories and set new benchmarks. The team’s foundation is strong, and the ambition is clear. With the right drivers, a cohesive team, and a strategic approach, Briatore believes Alpine can win races in 2026 and fight for the championship in 2027. His vision for the future is not just about winning on the track but also about creating a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. As Briatore looks to the future, he remains confident and determined, ready to lead Alpine to new heights.
